The District at Green Valley Ranch

The District Trolley Company The trolley at the District at Green Valley Ranch runs daily between Main Street and The Green approximately every fifteen minutes. Trolley stops at The Green (near West Elm), Main Street (near the front parking lot) and the Green Valley Ranch Resort theater (adjacent to Elephant Bar). Call for more information. Hours are: Friday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday: Noon-11 p.m.

 

A stroll through The District, set in the heart of Green Valley, is the perfect way to escape the hype of the Strip. Reminiscent of a small town village, the cobblestone walkways and European-style buildings seem like a thousand miles away from Las Vegas. Here, guests can enjoy more than 40 retail shops, a handful of restaurants, fun outdoor activities and even designated areas for pets.

The District features an eclectic selection of shops, which makes shopping enjoyable for the entire family. From mountain bikes to camping gear, the huge REI store offers every piece of outdoor equipment and accessory imaginable. Other fun shops include Pottery Barn, Anthropologie (a home décor and women's clothing store) and Ethel's Chocolate Lounge. Featuring eclectic, gourmet chocolate in a trendy, chic atmosphere, Ethel's Chocolate Lounge is the ideal place to relax and chat with friends while feeding that chocolate craving. Gourmet apples, warm fondues and chilled beverages are also available.

Shoppers will also find unique clothing stores for all ages. Francesca offers colorful, one-of-a-kind, vintage style clothing for women. Even the fitting rooms look like small, little cottage nooks. Men can browse through sophisticated, business casual wear at Jos A. Bank. Kids and 'tweens will find the apparel at Along Came a Spider cute and colorful.

Don't forget to make a stop into the ultra-trendy furniture and home décor store, West Elm. Walking into this store is like stepping into the pages of a modern home magazine. West Elms showcases a variety of chairs, lamps and mirrors in creative, geometrical concepts. With all the different displays, shoppers are bound to find their dream living room at least two or three times. And with furniture and décor changing seasonally, that in itself is a reason to come back again and again.

The diverse selection of restaurants at The District make eating here really exciting. For those in the mood for eclectic food in a safari setting, Elephant Bar offers everything from Thai food to American favorites. For traditional comfort food, Al’s Garage serves burgers, fries, sandwiches and sundaes. In addition, the tires, rims, graffiti and even the entrance makes diners really feel like they're in a car shop. Right next door, Kennedy's Tavern is ideal for an intimate lunch or dinner. The dim lighting combined with the red, black and floral concepts deliver a tranquil, romantic vibe. Diners can choose from a selection of gourmet American food, cocktails, wines and desserts.

Over at The Green, the entire family (including pets) can enjoy movies at the park -- for free! Movie goers can lay out a blanket and have a picnic while watching a movie. The Green features family-friendly picks like animated films, comedies, classics, blockbusters and new DVD releases. Complimentary popcorn is also available. For those who crave a cold sweet treat, there is a Gelato Café close to The Green. Movies begin at 7 p.m. during the spring and fall months and 8 p.m. during the summer months. Nearby, children and the young-at-heart can ride the merry-go-round for only $2.

From May through October, The District also offers free concerts at The Courtyard every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy everything from country and jazz to Top 40 and Latin.

Whether you're shopping solo or spending the day with friends and family, The District is the perfect place to unwind. And if you've completely fallen in love with this place, there are luxury lofts available for sale above the shops. The lofts offer breathtaking views of the city, a fitness facility, underground parking and a concierge. This way, you can experience the restaurants, shops and the tranquil atmosphere every day of the week.

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe